'''Rivendell''', or '''[[Rivendell#Etymology|Imladris]]''', was an [[Elves|Elven]] dwelling in the [[Misty Mountains]] on the eastern edge of [[Eriador]]. It was also called "'''The Last Homely House East of the Sea'''", a reference to [[Valinor]] west of [[Belegaer|the sea]], and the '''First Homely House''', so called because it was the last outpost in the relatively civilised lands of [[Eriador]] before a traveller crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] and entered the Wilds of [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. It was established by [[Elrond]] in the [[Second Age]] as a refuge from [[Sauron]] after the fall of [[Eregion]]. Besides Elrond himself, notable Elves who lived there included [[Arwen]] and [[Glorfindel]].

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'''Rivendell''', or '''[[Rivendell#Etymology|Imladris]]''', was an [[Elves|Elven]] dwelling in the [[Misty Mountains]] on the eastern edge of [[Eriador]]. It was also called "'''The Last Homely House East of the Sea'''", a reference to [[Valinor]] west of [[Belegaer|the sea]], and the '''First Homely House''', so called because it was the last outpost in the relatively civilised lands of [[Eriador]] before a traveller crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] and entered the Wilds of [[Rhovanion]]. It was established by [[Elrond]] in the [[Second Age]] as a refuge from [[Sauron]] after the fall of [[Eregion]]. Besides Elrond himself, notable Elves who lived there included [[Arwen]] and [[Glorfindel]].

Rivendell was located at the edge of a narrow gorge of the [[Bruinen|Bruinen River]], but well hidden in the moorlands and foothills of the [[Misty Mountains]].{{fact}}

Rivendell was located at the edge of a narrow gorge of the [[Bruinen|Bruinen River]], but well hidden in the moorlands and foothills of the [[Misty Mountains]].{{fact}}

==History==

==History==

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===Establishment===

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Rivendell, or Imladris, was established by Elrond in the Second Age during the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], after [[Eregion]] was laid waste.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> It remained Elrond's seat throughout the remainder of the Second Age and until the end of the Third Age, when he took the [[White Ship]] for [[Valinor]]. Rivendell had a strong alliance with the [[Kings of Arnor]] and after the fall of [[Arthedain]] it became a refuge for the [[Rangers of the North]] and the [[heir of Isildur|heirs of Isildur]].

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Elrond established Imladris in {{SA|1697}} during the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]].<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> In Elrond's following at that time were both Elves from [[Lindon]] whom he had led in [[Sack of Eregion|battle to defend Eregion]] and those Elves who had fled [[Eregion]] when it was destroyed. Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control. It was liberated after [[Gil-galad]]'s forces, strengthened by the armament sent by [[Tar-Minastir]], routed Sauron's armies and drove him out of Eriador. A Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

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===Founding===

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Elrond and an army out of [[Lindon]] were sent by [[Gil-galad]] when he learned that Sauron was moving against Eriador. Elrond had far to come and arrived late; but his forces were strengthened by a detachment out of Eregion led by [[Celeborn]]. Sauron's armies overwhelmed Elrond despite reinforcements, preventing him from reaching Eregion and forcing him northward toward the headwaters of Bruinen. Here Elrond established a stronghold which was to became a refuge for those seeking shelter from Sauron's onslaught in Eriador. Elrond's following at the founding of Imladris included the Elves he had led out of [[Lindon]] and those of Eregion led by Celeborn; but they were soon joined by many fleeing the [[Sack of Eregion]]. More came as Sauron ravaged Eriador on his march toward Lindon. By {{SA|1700}}, Sauron had overrun all of Eriador and Imladris was [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]]. The siege ended when Gil-galad's forces, strengthened by the armament sent by [[Tar-Minastir]], routed Sauron's armies and drove him out of Eriador. A Council held at that time made Elrond Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador, and Imladris his seat. Imladris remained an Elvish stronghold in Eriador to the end of the Second Age and into the Third. Gil-galad bestowed [[Vilya]] upon Elrond in secret. Aided by the power of the ring, Elrond made Imladris one of the chief seats of Elvish strength in the west in the latter part of the Second Age.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

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===Last Alliance===

At the end of the Second Age, [[Elendil]] and Gil-galad formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] to challenge Sauron, and their host halted for a while at Imladris before crossing the Misty Mountains.<ref name="SV"/> [[Isildur]]'s wife and his youngest son, [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], were in Imladris at that time, and Isildur was journeying back to them after Sauron's defeat when he was ambushed at the [[Gladden Fields]].<ref>{{UT|7}}</ref> After receiving the shards of [[Narsil]], Valandil took up his role as King of [[Arnor]] and left Imladris for [[Annúminas]].<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref>

At the end of the Second Age, [[Elendil]] and Gil-galad formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] to challenge Sauron, and their host halted for a while at Imladris before crossing the Misty Mountains.<ref name="SV"/> [[Isildur]]'s wife and his youngest son, [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], were in Imladris at that time, and Isildur was journeying back to them after Sauron's defeat when he was ambushed at the [[Gladden Fields]].<ref>{{UT|7}}</ref> After receiving the shards of [[Narsil]], Valandil took up his role as King of [[Arnor]] and left Imladris for [[Annúminas]].<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref>

===Third Age===

===Third Age===

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After the fall of Gil-galad, Elrond remained in Imladris. During the Third Age it was a refuge and sanctuary; many Elves gathered there, and it was the chief dwelling of the [[High Elves]] in Eriador. The heirs of Isildur were also harbored there due to their kinship with Elrond, as descendants of his brother [[Elros]].<ref name="SV"/> Rivendell maintained this special relationship with the North Kingdom throughout the Third Age, and Elrond and his people remained steadfast allies to the heirs of Isildur.

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After the fall of Gil-galad, Elrond remained in Imladris. During the Third Age it was a refuge and sanctuary; many Elves gathered there, and it was the chief dwelling of the [[High Elves]] in Eriador. The heirs of Isildur were also harbored there due to their kinship with Elrond, as descendants of his brother [[Elros]].<ref name="SV"/> Rivendell maintained this relationship with the North Kingdom throughout the Third Age, and Elrond and his people remained steadfast allies to the heirs of Isildur. Situated on the western slopes of the Misty Mountains, Imladris was near [[Arnor]]'s eastern province of [[Rhudaur]], which became independent during the disintegration of the North Kingdom in {{TA|861}}.

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Situated on the western slopes of the Misty Mountains, Rivendell was on the eastern edge of [[Arnor]], close to the province of [[Rhudaur]] which became independent during the disintegration of the North Kingdom in {{TA|861}}. Danger came to Eriador around {{TA|1300}} when the witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]] was established in the north-east beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. It was during the late reign of [[Arveleg I]] that [[Second Siege of Imladris |Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by Angmar into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

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Danger came to Eriador around {{TA|1300}} when the witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]] was established in the north-east beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. It was late in the reign of [[Arveleg I]] that [[Second Siege of Imladris |Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by Angmar into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elves of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

After the end of the North-kingdom in {{TA|1975}} [[Aranarth]], the first [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]], had [[Arahael|his son]] fostered in Rivendell, as were all subsequent sons of the chieftains. The heirlooms and treasures of the house of Isildur, including the shards of [[Narsil]], were also kept there after [[Arvedui]]'s death.<ref name="North"/> Among these were also some of the few remaining documents containing the history of Númenor.<ref>{{UT|3}}</ref>

After the end of the North-kingdom in {{TA|1975}} [[Aranarth]], the first [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]], had [[Arahael|his son]] fostered in Rivendell, as were all subsequent sons of the chieftains. The heirlooms and treasures of the house of Isildur, including the shards of [[Narsil]], were also kept there after [[Arvedui]]'s death.<ref name="North"/> Among these were also some of the few remaining documents containing the history of Númenor.<ref>{{UT|3}}</ref>

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There was traffic across the Misty Mountains in the Third Age between Imladris and [[Lothlórien|Lórien]], for Elrond's wife was [[Celebrían]], daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn.

There was traffic across the Misty Mountains in the Third Age between Imladris and [[Lothlórien|Lórien]], for Elrond's wife was [[Celebrían]], daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn.

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===The One Ring===

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===War of the Ring===

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In the [[Quest of Erebor]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] stopped off at Rivendell with the Dwarves on the way to the [[Lonely Mountain]] and also on the way back to [[the Shire]] with [[Gandalf]].<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref>

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In the [[Quest of Erebor]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] stopped off at Rivendell with the Dwarves on the way to the [[Lonely Mountain]] and also on the way back to [[the Shire]] with [[Gandalf]].<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref> Bilbo retired there after his 111th birthday, writing his memoir ''[[There and Back Again]]''.

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Years later, [[Frodo Baggins]] and his [[Travellers|companions]] journeyed to Rivendell, where they met with Bilbo, who had retired there after his 111th birthday, spending his time on his memoir, ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Several other Elves, [[Dwarves]] and [[Men]] had also arrived at Rivendell on separate errands;<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref> at the [[Council of Elrond]] they learned that all of their errands were related to the fate of [[the One Ring]], and they had to decide what to do about it. In the end, the Hobbits influenced the decision.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref>

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Years later, [[Frodo Baggins]] and his [[Travellers|companions]] journeyed to Rivendell, where they met Bilbo. Several other Elves, [[Dwarves]] and [[Men]] had also arrived at Rivendell on separate errands;<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref> at the [[Council of Elrond]] they learned that all of their errands were related to the fate of [[the One Ring]], and they had to decide what to do about it. In the end, the Hobbits influenced the decision.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref>

==Etymology==

==Etymology==

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''Rivendell'' ("[[Wiktionary:cloven|cloven]]-[[Wiktionary:dell|dell]]") is the [[Westron|Common Speech]] translation of the Sindarin name '''''Imladris''''' ("deep dale of the cleft").<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 774</ref> An alternative (or complementary) etymology, gives ''Rivendell'' as the Englished version of the [[Westron]] name '''''Karningul''''' (itself a translation of ''Imladris'').<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

''Rivendell'' ("[[Wiktionary:cloven|cloven]]-[[Wiktionary:dell|dell]]") is the [[Westron|Common Speech]] translation of the Sindarin name '''''Imladris''''' ("deep dale of the cleft").<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 774</ref> An alternative (or complementary) etymology, gives ''Rivendell'' as the Englished version of the [[Westron]] name '''''Karningul''''' (itself a translation of ''Imladris'').<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

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The name ''Imladris'' is also glossed as "Canyon of the Cleft"<ref>{{VT|47a}}, p. 14 (note 18)</ref> and "flat-floared valley of the Cleft".<ref name="letter">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Anthony D. Howlett 28 May 1969]]" ([[Letters not published in "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien"|letter]])</ref>

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The name ''Imladris'' is also glossed as "Canyon of the Cleft"<ref>{{VT|47a}}, p. 14 (note 18)</ref> and "flat-floared valley of the Cleft".<ref name="letter">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Letter to Anthony D. Howlett]]" ([[Letters not published in "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien"|letter]])</ref>

==Inspiration==

==Inspiration==

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{{quote|I am... delighted that you have made the acquaintance of Switzerland, and of the very part that I once knew best and which had the deepest effect on me. The hobbit’s journey from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, including the glissade down the slithering stones into the pine woods, is based on my adventures in 1911 (he was 19 and traveled to Lauterbrunnen)... Our wanderings mainly on foot in a party of 12 are not now clear in sequence, but leave many vivid pictures as clear as yesterday." (He talks of similar conditions of the travel of Bilbo camping out, walking mountain paths, carrying packs).|Tolkien<ref>{{l|306}}</ref>}}

{{quote|I am... delighted that you have made the acquaintance of Switzerland, and of the very part that I once knew best and which had the deepest effect on me. The hobbit’s journey from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, including the glissade down the slithering stones into the pine woods, is based on my adventures in 1911 (he was 19 and traveled to Lauterbrunnen)... Our wanderings mainly on foot in a party of 12 are not now clear in sequence, but leave many vivid pictures as clear as yesterday." (He talks of similar conditions of the travel of Bilbo camping out, walking mountain paths, carrying packs).|Tolkien<ref>{{l|306}}</ref>}}

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==Portrayal in Adaptations ==

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==Portrayal in Adaptations ==

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'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''

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{{Gallery

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:Rivendell appears in every installment, through its role in the second two is rather minor.

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|title=Rivendell in adaptations

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|height=150

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|width=250

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|lines=2

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|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Rivendell.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''

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|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Rivendell.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''

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|File:BFME2 - Elrond Rivendell.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''

:Rivendell appears in every installment, although its role in the second and third film is rather minor.

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'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'':'''

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'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

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:Rivendell is the fifth level, and the first where no fighting is required. After Frodo is taken to Rivendell by [[Glorfindel]], he is first woken by [[Gandalf]]; after that, the [[Council of Elrond]] starts. After the council, there is an opportunity to speak to the NPCs - [[Aragorn]], [[Arwen]], [[Boromir]], [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. The gameplay continues by entering a door. A short cutscene follows in which Bilbo gives [[Sting]] and the [[mithril]] shirt.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'', "Rivendell"</ref>

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:Rivendell is the fifth level, and the first where no fighting is required. After Frodo is taken to Rivendell by [[Glorfindel]], he is first woken by [[Gandalf]]; after that, the [[Council of Elrond]] starts. After the council, there is an opportunity to speak to the NPCs - [[Aragorn]], [[Arwen]], [[Boromir]], [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. The gameplay continues by entering a door. A short cutscene follows in which Bilbo gives [[Sting]] and the ''[[mithril]]'' shirt.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], "Rivendell"</ref>

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

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:Rivendell is one of the major cities in the game and the only place characters are obliged to visit more than once (other cities can be re-visited, but this is optional).

:Rivendell is one of the major cities in the game and the only place characters are obliged to visit more than once (other cities can be re-visited, but this is optional).

Elrond and an army out of Lindon were sent by Gil-galad when he learned that Sauron was moving against Eriador. Elrond had far to come and arrived late; but his forces were strengthened by a detachment out of Eregion led by Celeborn. Sauron's armies overwhelmed Elrond despite reinforcements, preventing him from reaching Eregion and forcing him northward toward the headwaters of Bruinen. Here Elrond established a stronghold which was to became a refuge for those seeking shelter from Sauron's onslaught in Eriador. Elrond's following at the founding of Imladris included the Elves he had led out of Lindon and those of Eregion led by Celeborn; but they were soon joined by many fleeing the Sack of Eregion. More came as Sauron ravaged Eriador on his march toward Lindon. By S.A.1700, Sauron had overrun all of Eriador and Imladris was besieged. The siege ended when Gil-galad's forces, strengthened by the armament sent by Tar-Minastir, routed Sauron's armies and drove him out of Eriador. A Council held at that time made Elrond Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador, and Imladris his seat. Imladris remained an Elvish stronghold in Eriador to the end of the Second Age and into the Third. Gil-galad bestowed Vilya upon Elrond in secret. Aided by the power of the ring, Elrond made Imladris one of the chief seats of Elvish strength in the west in the latter part of the Second Age.[2]

At the end of the Second Age, Elendil and Gil-galad formed the Last Alliance of Elves and Men to challenge Sauron, and their host halted for a while at Imladris before crossing the Misty Mountains.[3]Isildur's wife and his youngest son, Valandil, were in Imladris at that time, and Isildur was journeying back to them after Sauron's defeat when he was ambushed at the Gladden Fields.[4] After receiving the shards of Narsil, Valandil took up his role as King of Arnor and left Imladris for Annúminas.[3]

After the fall of Gil-galad, Elrond remained in Imladris. During the Third Age it was a refuge and sanctuary; many Elves gathered there, and it was the chief dwelling of the High Elves in Eriador. The heirs of Isildur were also harbored there due to their kinship with Elrond, as descendants of his brother Elros.[3] Rivendell maintained this relationship with the North Kingdom throughout the Third Age, and Elrond and his people remained steadfast allies to the heirs of Isildur. Situated on the western slopes of the Misty Mountains, Imladris was near Arnor's eastern province of Rhudaur, which became independent during the disintegration of the North Kingdom in T.A.861.

After the end of the North-kingdom in T.A.1975Aranarth, the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain, had his son fostered in Rivendell, as were all subsequent sons of the chieftains. The heirlooms and treasures of the house of Isildur, including the shards of Narsil, were also kept there after Arvedui's death.[5] Among these were also some of the few remaining documents containing the history of Númenor.[6]

There was traffic across the Misty Mountains in the Third Age between Imladris and Lórien, for Elrond's wife was Celebrían, daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn.

Years later, Frodo Baggins and his companions journeyed to Rivendell, where they met Bilbo. Several other Elves, Dwarves and Men had also arrived at Rivendell on separate errands;[8] at the Council of Elrond they learned that all of their errands were related to the fate of the One Ring, and they had to decide what to do about it. In the end, the Hobbits influenced the decision.[9]

Rivendell ("cloven-dell") is the Common Speech translation of the Sindarin name Imladris ("deep dale of the cleft").[10] An alternative (or complementary) etymology, gives Rivendell as the Englished version of the Westron name Karningul (itself a translation of Imladris).[11]

The name Imladris is also glossed as "Canyon of the Cleft"[12] and "flat-floared valley of the Cleft".[13]

"I am... delighted that you have made the acquaintance of Switzerland, and of the very part that I once knew best and which had the deepest effect on me. The hobbit’s journey from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, including the glissade down the slithering stones into the pine woods, is based on my adventures in 1911 (he was 19 and traveled to Lauterbrunnen)... Our wanderings mainly on foot in a party of 12 are not now clear in sequence, but leave many vivid pictures as clear as yesterday." (He talks of similar conditions of the travel of Bilbo camping out, walking mountain paths, carrying packs)."

Rivendell is one of the major cities in the game, located between Trollshaws and the Misty Mountains. Rivendell is also one of the places that players can choose as Elven character's homeland. The Last Homely House refers to a large dwelling of Elrond, not to the entire refuge of Rivendell. It is located on the eastern side of Rivendell. One can find Elrond's library, the Hall of Fire, the scholar's guild and various guest rooms.